"Screw Sydney, I moved to Frankston North! Beach!!"

I just turned 32 and decided to leave Sydney behind! Although I have a great high-paying IT job the fact that I have 3 young kids and wife who is a full time mum and a negatively geared investment property meant I could only afford a house in 2 Sydney suburbs Tregear and Willmot. These areas did not appeal to me at all. Then a friend of mine who recently moved from an apartment in St Kilda to Frankston North sent me a link. I couldn't believe my eyes, a beachside suburb 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD, great infrastructure, one of the best schools in the state and Monash University. Long story short, I bought in Frankston North and honestly believe it was the best decision I've ever made. There was a stigma associated with Frankston some time ago but I can assure you it is an old and out-dated perception that in no way represents this great community today. I have actually met 3 other young families who have just moved from various parts of Sydney. Don't take my word for it, come and spend a day in Frankston. The beach is amazing, the shopping centre and infrastructure is first class, great schools, Monash University, motorway direct to Melbourne, metro train direct to Melbourne, amazing hospital, great culture and cafes (check out the sand sculptures) and finally it is half way between Melbourne and the AMAZING Mornington Peninsula! We often spent the weekend in Portsea! Just check it out! I'm sure more young Sydneysiders will be moving soon!

Pros

Frankston North is an undiscovered beachside gem!

Great for my young family, weekends at the beach

5 minute drive from the beach!

night time is so quiet... even on the weekends its quiet... and you can't hear any Peninsula Link traffic or Frankston dandy rd.... !

"No longer the pines - Meet the new Frankston North"

We brought in the area in 2012 and despite the feedback of "the pines" we were pleasantly surprised at the amenities, transport, parks and our friendly neighbours. There are still some areas that are a bit rough around the edges, but as the current owners turn over their properties its a noticeable difference in the presentation of properties and the changing face of the area. More late model European cars adorn the driveways of the renovated homes and the area overall seems to be on the improve both from a socio economic perspective and from a safety perspective.

in 12 months on average the area has grown its average median price by around $50,000 and the year before much the same. Many renovated homes are selling from $300 - $360k which is a vast contrast on the last 5 years and has shown steady growth year on year with the exception of a slight downturn in 2012.

For rent returns and value for money or an affordable property and lifestyle, disregard what people say about the area and take a look for yourself I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised as we were.

"Give Frankston North a go!"

When will the stigma lift? We have lived in the area for 4 years. Our street is quiet, with friendly neighbors. The surrounding properties are mostly well kept and clean. We are on the ballarto road side of frankston north. I have driven through the other side of frankston north which still had a lot of fibro homes and derelict properties. I have walked to parks around here and despite the look of some of the properties (run down etc) i have never felt unsafe. I can not believe that you can still get a nice, renovated property in melbourne for around the $300k mark. You would pay almost double for a similar property in franakston. The only negative about living in frankston north is the stigma attached to it. Frankston North gets an undeserved bad wrap!!

martythefirstStill very dodgy, i see prices have soared but helped little with the demographic, i think as prices rise and the rent reaches an unaffordable level for the demographic, things will change and it will be a pleasant and convenient place to live.

2yrs+

feeno, not dodgy,thing's will pick up as I am confident that Frankston North is about to have it's chance very soon, you just wait and see, especially with the extended new Free way going through, this Will be the Place to be when the Hike hit's in Our End of paradise Martythefirst, just be patient My Friend & just you wait and see...My Friend, as All Great thing's come to those who wait..As an investor & Local in Frankston North, I know that Our Turn is almost here,and this is truly a Hidden Goldmine.. Frankston North is The Place to Live right now!Regards; Fee.

2yrs+

martythefirstSure it will pick up as i have said, if you read my comments.As an investor it is your obligation to stick up for the area because you have money in it so good on you.Trouble is, your another investor, as investors don't do real works only what is needed it will be a very long time before it picks up as there is a massive investor % compared to owner occupier in the area, once investors leave and owners come will you see the change.What will do it will be the cash out of the investor as the rent % will not be comparable to the value so they will sell to the owner, could be sooner rather than later if the government doesn't release more land quick smart.I certainly wouldn't call it paradise fee but some parts live like the good end of mount eliza, other parts you feel glad to be in your car with locks and a full tank of fuel. Cheers,Marty.

2yrs+

feeANY ONE OUT THERE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A NICE CHANGE FROM THE PROVERBIAL,RAT RACE,I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU GIVE FRANKSTON NORTH A GO,IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL,THE ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE VIRTUALLY RIGHT AT ONE'S DOOR-STEP,LAST NIGHT ...HERE'S AN AWESOME EXAMPLE FOR ALL YOU NATURE LOVER'S OUT THERE...OUR FOUR YEAR OLD ACTUALLY FEEDING A SUGAR GLIDER A PIECE OF CUT UP APPLE,SO WONDERFUL,NOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD GET TO DO THAT FROM THEIR BACK YARD..I ASK YOU'?FRANKSTON NORTH REALLY IS OUR HIDDEN PARADISE.CHEER'S,FEE.XX.

2yrs+

GreenerpasturesKudos martythefirst,i couldn't have said it better with your post.fee,don't raise your hair and stiff your tail,lay off the caps.As an investor fee,your showing your colours,settle pettle,let the sand stand or wash.Peace:)

"An undervalued Investor's paradise"

I purchased three homes in Frankston North around ten years ago after a tip off from an informed property investor / real estate agent.

The properties have increased in value from approx $45,000 to around $250,000... (five times their value in 10 years!). This is an outstanding result, and capital growth in this area has far outstripped the growth rate of Melbourne as a whole.

The suburb has undergone steady gentrification, with large numbers of public housing stock being sold off to private owners. The government is still selling off their properties in the area, which is further accelerating the gentrification process. As a result, many of the problems previously associated with public housing estates have disappeared. The area has changed into a respectable, quiet suburban community... a hidden gem, rich in facilities, close to the beach, and easy reach to freeways, abundant public transport, schools, parks, shops, and right on the doorstep to Mornington Peninsular.

It is an area which is still misunderstood by many, a hangover from a long distant past. It is a suburb which is still significantly undervalued by the market...

Clever investors, and home buyers have realized this distortion and profited greatly from the Frankston North "myth".

Many properties in Frankston North are advantaged by large blocks of land (average size around 600 square meters), and an increasing number of properties are being redeveloped by builders, and property investors, who are subdividing and building medium density units, and townhouses.

This "sleeper" suburb is set to boom in price as the market at large realize the remarkable transformation that Frankston North has undergone.

"Near the pool"

I bought near the pool on Forest Drive, and basically everything is within walking distance.

There are parks everywhere such as the Flora and Fauna Reserve; Nats Track (walking/riding track); Eric Bell Reserve (local AFL, noise and people leaving have been fine); Monterey Park (skate park, basketball court, Frankston Pines soccer ground); there's the swimming pool (not heated); the two golf courses (one has won an award for something ?!); I thinks there's tennis and bowls facilities also (few minutes drive) near the golf courses. There are multiple Primary Schools, High Schools within walking distance, with many other schools available by transport/bus or driving nearby.

There are buses that run from very early in the morning all day until night weekdays and weekends on the drive. It's quiet and has speed-humps and railings, and no-one tries to speed or hoon around, and the traffic is pretty minimal considering it's a main road. Train-wise there is Kananook train station (10/15 min walk or drive a few mins and park) or Frankston and/or Seaford station (by car), with the beach is 10/15 mins walk or just minutes away to drive.

All the groceries I need are within walking distance at the IGA, bakery and/or milkbar and there's a petrol station (I must say the shops aren't the best to look at, especially the servo) but the shops sell what is needed with a smile and the servo has petrol so who cares really.
I haven't seen everything, but there's an aged care facility, a community centre, pharmacy, fish & chip shop and post office all within walking distance, and most if not all the things you need are within a 5 to 10 min drive.

The house is solid and I bought it 12 months ago, with prices pleasingly going up and there is no humongous mortgage to worry about.

Clean air, a massive back yard, the neighbours are friendly and took my nieces to the park with their own grandkids one sunday afternoon, and we swap garden tools etc. I'm not naive, and I know there are housing commission houses on the Drive and there may be some domestic problems there, but my experiences have been nothing but fantastic in my part of the drive, as has been the whole suburb and the Frankston locale.

The presentation of residences and commercial property is a bit different to what I am used to, being from the other end of Eastlink. Although don't let that put you off the area.

From what I heard originally from some people, and what I have actually seen by staying there, these are two totally different extremes, and for me it's been a totally fantastic experience.

"Don't judge a book by its cover...."

We are a family with young children and bought our place in October 2008. We haven't looked back. The neighbours are fantastic - friendly and watchful. There are 2 primary schools, a kinder and a secondary school. There are plenty of parks to play in. The air is clean. There is a fantastic national park where the views across the bay are stunning. There is plenty of wildlife. The houses are affordable and even come with a BACKYARD!! The beach is a 15 minute walk, the train a 10 minute walk.And if you want to get some exercise, try taking a walk around the suburb - it is hillier than you realise and certainly gets the blood moving. All of this for under 300k. Can't praise it highly enough. Beats renting in St.Kilda (like we did prior to buying) any day! Only thing I dislike is that I didn't discover it earlier.

virusvaleriagreat to hear!! i am in my early 30s, married, no kdis and moved here in 2007 after living in ripponlea in a tiny one bedroom apartment.

Can you believe how much you get for the money you pay down in Frankton North?? Its amazing to hear other people feel just like us feel.

Now its just a matter of getting rid of the scummier bits of it.... hard work...

2yrs+

YoungFamilyI think Frankston North has got to be the best value for money suburb in Melbourne! Where else can you buy a house and yard for under 300k and so close to the beach?! People that build/buy out in the new estates, miles from anywhere and with no infrastructure in sight have rocks in their head (in my humble opinion anyway!).

The suburb is ever changing and it is great to see all the renovations and work being done around the place. Keep it up everyone!

"The Hidden Gem"

I moved here about 16 months ago from a supposedly nice middle class Eastern suburb... well, in two years of living there I never saw a neighbour and couldn't tell you what they even looked like! I wasn't here even a couple of months and the neighbours both sides of me had noticed I had been home for two consecutive days (was working from home on a project from work) and so they came to check if everything was OK and if I needed anything!! On rubbish day, my bins have always been brought in for me and left by my back gate... There's just such a lovely lovely sense of community here, I wish I'd moved here years ago!!

People look at you a bit strange when you tell them you live in the Frankston area as it obviously still has a stigma in some people's minds... well, more fool them because you get drongos in every community but I have to say that I've never felt more welcomed or secure than I do here and have no intention of selling up any time soon!

I love that in 15 minutes I can walk to one of the nicest stretches of beaches in Port Phillip Bay, or drive down and take my kayak, or my dog for a mutitude of walks in either the various parks and reserves or along as much beach as I want... there is good quality restuarants in the area, catering for either families or more upmarket fine dining experiences... AND you are on the doorstep of Mornington Penisula which is like stepping into another world!!

There's everything you need in the area shopping, medical or resource wise.. so there's rarely a need to go into the chaotic city of Melbourne itself and that is a huge stress relieve... traffic at any time of the day is rarely an issue so driving anywhere is not a stress and you can be on Eastlink in a matter of a couple of minutes...or there's Kananook station only a 10 minute walk away if you want to go into the city to go watch a footy game or have a day out without the stress of the car...

What more could you ask for? All this and a solid stand alone house still available often for $250,000 or less??!!!?? What's to think about really!

I'm a single divorced lady in my early 40's, with no children and friends were nervous when I told them I was buying in there area and that I'd be on my own...but for me, this is truly one of Melbourne hidden little gems... but it won't be able to hide itself forever and the secret WILL get out... so come on down before the word get's out!! The water's lovely :-)))

virusvaleriaim so glad to hear such a great comment. I've moved myself down to Frankston North after renting up in the city (Ripponlea & Toorak) and me and my husband were thinking of buying but couldnt afford anything in the city of course. Especially with a medium puupy dog we needed something with a little garden. Forget having THAT in the city! So we bought a house with a HUGE garden in Frankston North and yes, we were a bit reluctant in buying one here. Well, we moved in 2007 and since then we've NEVER had a problem of ANY kind. The stigma it has gets in the way, thats true, but eventually people will understand how much of a gorgeous place this is and it will turn into a second Frankston South! Im glad to hear great comments like yours.

2yrs+

virusvaleriai should also add we are a young couple in their late twenties.

2yrs+

feehi,i understand what you mean,there are still a few scums around and once they r gone yes it will be a top place,we r a young couple as well....thanks 4 ur reply...Cheers!

2yrs+

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""If Your a Family, this Place is Great For You'!"

Since moving here three years ago, My small children Love it, and feel Happy here, they Love Aldercourt Primary School as it has endless learning possibilities for Environmentalist's such as Our Tomorrow's Future,The Kid's get to learn how to grow their Own Vegetable's as well as learn all about Saving Water Plus Much more for Our Future.
Since moving here from Seaford, where we were not a Happy unit, My Children & I have grown to appreciate the Finer thing's such as Easy Living, fancy free, and the Air is so Clean here in frankston North, and the Bush walk's are exciting as every walking trip we seem to see different wild life Daily, it's so much fun, & right on Our Door step's too, I Love Being Here, it's the happiest I have been in such a Long time, & I will be Here for the rest of My Life as This is A Home Sweet Home, we are at peace here, Frankston North is a Blessing to be Here.
Highly recommend this Place to Everyone who needs a Peaceful Change of Pace.
Cant rave about Frankston North Enough'.

"Less than 5 k's to beach, shops, schools, public transport and much more, the place too buy!"

Frankston North is a place that has access to everything, beach, great schools, bayside shops, public transport, east link freeway and the new peninsula link freeway opening in early 2013, new parks, the new marina which will soon be built and more to come. For under $300,000 you can buy a great place which has all this. Where else can you get all this in Melbourne at this price. I know this is money well spent and great for anyone who wants to be near everything at a great price!